Our Story

K&R is Formed

K&R’s origins reach back to 1970, when BD Holt Caterpillar ventured into the natural gas engine/compressor business and enlisted David Skoruppa, a young engineer, who would go on to cofound K&R. In those early years, they achieved several milestones, including creating the first natural gas-powered Cat compressors and establishing a natural gas school in Peoria, IL. In 1974, David went on to join Texas Oil & Gas (TXO) , managing operations across South Texas and assisting in designing key equipment. In 1990 David along with his sons, Ken and Rick, formed K&R Company, initially doing repairs and maintenance, and soon expanded to create K&R Complete Compressor Services. As the business grew, they added K&R Energy Inc. and Nueces Components Inc., built a fabrication in Nueces County, Texas, and grew a rental fleet. The company continued to expand, offering compressor refurbishing, repowering, and overhauling services, as well as packaging units for other rental companies.

The New K&R

In 2016 a new investor group and leadership partnered with the Skoruppa family to form K&R Operating LLC. The company began to focus on growing the business and professionalizing the organization. Through the addition of field services, growth into new regions, and expansion into the power generation market, K&R’s values and performance became the “New Standard” in the industry, growing our customer base and becoming recognized as the leader in third party offerings. In 2024, Chimney Rock Equity partnered with K&R to establish a nationwide MRO and distribution platform specializing in industrial engines, generators, pumps, and electric motors while continuing to add best in class technicians and state of the art systems.